The Cheshire Novel Prize is a global writing competition for un-agented authors of adult fiction, memoir and fictional memoir. Founder Sara Naidine Cox is an editor and coach who is passionate about writing and new writers.
Sara realised that in many stages of the writing journey, authors would benefit from connecting with each other.
She used Guild to build a private peer community for authors, bringing together existing clients and early-stage novelists who aren’t yet looking for formal support.
Writer’s Space is a virtual community for authors to collaborate with other writers, share experiences and support each other in their path to publication.
Sara told us a bit more about how using Guild has helped her to support existing clients, network with prospects and cement a strong reputation as a coach and editor.
Results in brief
- 1-2-1 relationships with consultancy prospects
- Value added to consultancy clients with dedicated cohort communities
- Efficiencies on frequently asked questions
Why was creating a peer support community for authors important to you?
"Writing a book can be a lonely process. Most authors I speak to are massively sympathetic to what others are going through and know how sometimes you just need to speak to someone who "gets it".
The broader writing community on social media tends to be very supportive, but such a public space isn’t for everyone.
It can be hard to build relationships on a public platform, and writers can feel very vulnerable. A private community helps both those challenges.
Writers have so much in common and being able to talk with peers can be a useful addition to professional support.
A private community means people who are still shy about calling themselves a writer, or who are worried about privacy, can feel confident. They have a safe space to share their work and provide feedback and recommendations to others."
How has Guild helped your business?
"Acting as a coach and editor means striking a balance between helping people - which I love to do - and prioritising my professional services.
I offer an annual 1-2-1 mentoring programme to a writer who can’t afford to pay. But I can't cover everyone who needs help.
Running a community means that I can drop in tips and advice to a group of people who really want to make progress - and they can support each other too.
I run co-writing sessions and occasional discussions with the group on topics like character or plot development. That lets people get to know me and see if I’d be a good fit for them when they need more formal advice.
I let the group know about paid sessions like my regular self-editing workshops, or my annual subscription service.
I want to work with people who really need my services, at the right time for them. Community members who need that extra help can get to know me so that if they do decide to invest in support, they feel confident I'm the right match for them.
Running a community helps me to build my professional reputation. But it also lets me support the people in my industry and that's so important to me.
If a member simply wants to be part of the group and pick up tips and advice, that’s great. Our members can share excerpts, find beta readers, trade book recommendations or just enjoy some supportive chat.
As a consultant, I can't help everyone who needs help - the community helps me make more of my expertise.
If they need my help in future we’ve already built a rapport which will help them get the best out of my services."
What do you like about Guild as a community platform?
"Guild is free of distractions which is something writers always need!
It feels safe and professional but it's still friendly and easy to use - there's no complicated learning curve for new members.
Conversations can be brief and to the point. In a private community, there’s none of the performative pressure you get on a public social media platform. It feels more genuine, human and intimate.
I can decide who comes into the community and make sure it remains a safe, respectful place for everyone. Everyone who joins has to accept the guidelines. It’s helped to create a friendly, supportive atmosphere within the group."
Are you a writer? Interested in connecting with fellow authors and meeting Sara? Apply to join Writer's Space on Guild today.
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Looking to create a community for your consultancy?
See for yourself how the Guild experience is different to WhatsApp, Slack, LinkedIn or Facebook Groups.
Guild is a safe space to connect, communicate and collaborate with others.
Join us on a platform that is purpose-built for creating groups, communities and networks on mobile.
- Just want to join some groups? Simply join Guild and then look through the discoverable groups and communities to find relevant ones to join
- Thinking of running your own community? With an elegant and simple to use, mobile-first UX you’ve got everything you need to start a community - custom branding, analytics, group and user management and support. Get started with your own community here with our free and paid options
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